United to win: US announces record $6 bln defense package for Ukraine

The United States of America will announce later today that it will distribute a new significant military aid package worth 6 billion dollars to Ukraine.

Reuters writes about this with reference to its own sources in the US administration.

"The United States of America may already on Friday announce the purchase of new weapons for Ukraine worth more than $6 billion," the article reads.

It is noted that the new large-scale package of military aid may include:

• anti-artillery radars,
• tactical vehicles,
• interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system,
• drones,
• artillery,
• precision ammunition,
• anti-drone systems.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to announce the new aid during the April 26 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the so-called Rammstein format). Politico writes that this will be a big boost after the US showed up to meetings empty-handed for months while Congress blocked funding.

Some of this equipment is likely to arrive in Ukraine in a few years, as the money is allocated within the Ukraine Security Promotion Initiative framework. That is, the Pentagon will conclude contracts with American defense firms to manufacture new equipment for Ukraine and not use current US stocks.

For reference:

As Rubryka reported, on Wednesday, Joe Biden signed the law providing additional funding for US national security needs, including $60 billion for Ukraine.

The State Department later announced a tranche of defense aid totaling $1 billion.

The package of defense support for Ukraine, announced by the US administration on Wednesday, included:

• missiles for RIM-7 air defense systems,
• Stinger systems,
• ammunition for HIMARS,
• projectiles of NATO standards,
• Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, as well as other weapons and equipment.

"The aid package from the USA will make it easier for us to breathe because we need various types of missiles, weapons, and air defense systems. We have seen how, during the last month, with combined attacks, the enemy tried to exhaust our systems and overload them. Therefore, now, we need any missiles, including various systems, as this is a consumable and costly material," said the spokesman of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Illia Yevlash.

According to him, Ukraine needs not only Patriot but also short- and medium-range air defense systems.

"This is very necessary in the fight against Shahed-type drones," the Air Force spokesman said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that military aid from the United States of America should not only go promptly to Ukraine's armed forces but also receive precisely what is most necessary.

"As soon as possible. As quickly as possible, or we will be pushed out. And it is true. Our people know it, and Americans must know it.

It is difficult now, a period full of challenges for us. It's not just about getting help faster, but also about getting what we need," the head of state explained.